Breast Reconstruction Surgery

During breast reconstruction surgery, a breast plastic surgeon rebuilds a woman's breast with the use of existing skin or a prosthetic substance to form a life-like breast.

The process of breast reconstructive surgery often entails the reconstruction of the areola and nipple and may involve breast implants. Women who are undergoing breast reconstruction surgery as a result of a cancer-related mastectomy must be checked to ensure the disease has been completely eliminated before proceeding.

Breast reconstruction is carried out by a plastic surgeon through skin expansion in which a small balloon is inserted beneath the skin, periodically filled with saline and thus made to stretch the skin, readying the area for a breast implant.

The second most common breast reconstruction procedure, flap reconstruction utilizes bodily tissue from the patient's own back, buttocks, thigh or abdomen to reform the breast.